Magnetic resonance imaging for interventional procedures

Abstract

Two different RF-frequency ranges or bands are employed viz. at the localisation RF-frequency and at the imaging RF-frequency, respectively. At these respective RF-frequency ranges different types of magnetic resonance signals are acquired. At the localisation RF-frequency a high sensitivity for the position of the interventional device is achieved. At the imaging RF-frequency a high sensitivity for image information, i.e. contrast resolution, of the anatomical structures of the patient to be examined is achieved.

1 . A magnetic resonance imaging method wherein 
 localisation magnetic resonance signals are acquired which represent the actual position of at least a pre-selected portion of an interventional device,    the localisation magnetic resonance signals being acquired at a localisation RF-frequency range    imaging magnetic resonance signals are acquired which represent image information    the imaging magnetic resonance signals being acquired at an imaging RF-frequency range.    
     
     
         2 . A magnetic resonance imaging method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein during the localization magnetic resonance signals magnetic read gradient fields are applied and the localization magnetic resonance signals are non-phase encoded.  
     
     
         3 . A magnetic resonance imaging method as claim in  claim 1 , wherein 
 a static magnetic field is applied at a pre-set magnetic field strength,    the imaging RF-frequency is in the range of precession (Larmor) frequencies of imaging nuclei, in particular protons, at the pre-set magnetic field strength and    the localisation RF-frequency range is in the range of precession (Larmor) frequencies of localisation nuclei, in particular not including protons.    
     
     
         4 . A magnetic resonance imaging method wherein a magnetic resonance image is reconstructed from the imaging magnetic resonance signals and the localization magnetic resonance signals.  
     
     
         5 . A magnetic resonance imaging method as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the pre-selected portion of the interventional device contains a localization compound which contains localization protons.  
     
     
         6 . A magnetic resonance imaging method as claim in  claim 5 , wherein the localisation compound contains a  19 F-compound, in particular a C 19 F 3 -compound.  
     
     
         7 . An interventional device comprising a pre-selected portion that is arranged to receive a localisation compound that in particular contains a  19 F-compound, in particular a C 19 F 3 -compound.  
     
     
         8 . An magnetic resonance imaging system comprising 
 an RF-excitation system    an receiver antennae system to receive magnetic resonance signals    a control unit the control the RF-excitation system and the receiver antennae system    the RF-excitation and the receiver antennae system having adjustable operating RF-frequency bands including a localisation RF-frequency range and an imaging RF-frequency range    the control unit being arranged to    control operating RF-frequency bands the RF-excitation system and of the receiver antennae system and to    acquire localisation magnetic resonance signals at the localisation RF-frequency range acquire imaging magnetic resonance signals at the imaging RF-frequency range.    
     
     
         9 . A computer programme comprising instruction to 
 acquire localisation magnetic resonance signals which represent the actual position of at least a pre-selected portion of an interventional device,    the localisation magnetic resonance signals being acquired at a localisation RF-frequency range    acquire imaging magnetic resonance signals which represent image information    the imaging magnetic resonance signals being acquired at an imaging RF-frequency range.